Explore the History of the Canadian Rockies

The national parks of the Canadian Rockies are World Heritage Sites themselves. What better way to explore Banff National Park and experience some authentic Canadian Rockies culture, then to visit Banff’s historic sites. With this list of great things to do in Banff your sure to experience all that Banff has to offer.

The current Banff Springs Hotel was built in 1928 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. (Photo Credit: John Vetterli)

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Located just west of the Banff town site, Cave and Basin is the site of the first hot spring baths and is considered the birth place of the Canadian Rockies National Parks. Long used by Aboriginal Canadians, the naturally occurring hot springs were found by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in the late 19^th Century. They decided to turn the springs into a tourist destination. Today you can tour the grotto like baths as well as open air pools constructed in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. The tourists these bathes drew lead to the creation of Canada’s first national park, Rocky Mountain Park of Canada.  If touring these bathes wets your appetite to take a real dip in a hot springs’ pool, you can always visit the Banff Hot Springs were modern day tourists are still soaking in the pleasure of the geothermal heated pools.

Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site

With its retro name the Cosmic Ray Station conjures up images of the space race. However, the scientific outpost was originally built on the top of Sulphur Mountain in 1956 to study the Sun’s impact on Earth. Located south of the Banff town site a trip to the top of Sulphur Mountain affords visitors the opportunity to view Banff from above.

These days Sulphur Mountain is also more accessible than ever, the Banff Gondola will whisk you up the slope in only eight minutes. From there it’s an easy 1 km hike to the location of the Cosmic Ray Station.

Banff’s Museum of Natural History

Located in the centre of Banff right on Banff Avenue the Museum of Natural History is worth a quick visit. The log structure itself is actually the oldest building in the town of Banff. Visitors will get to view five thousand different Natural History specimens representing the range of species found in the park and the Rocky Mountains.

The museum collection was actively increased only till the 1930s, so the museum itself also an interesting example of early 20^th century museum practices.

Buffalo Nations Luxon Museum

To learn more about Canada’s Aboriginal heritage check out the Buffalo Nation’s Museum. Located in Banff, on Birch Avenue, the museum exhibits artefacts from Plains First Nations life before and after European contact. Visitors will learn about daily life for the nomadic tribes of the Canadian prairies. The collection includes beadwork, clothing, tepee displays, as well as spiritual and trade items.

Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site

The iconic Banff Springs was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway between 1911 and 1928 as a resort for rich clientele to experience the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies in comfort. The hotel’s opulent decor and architecture are still impressive today and well worth a visit. The chateaux style hotel is located just outside of the center of Banff on Spray Avenue. Visitors are welcome to explore the hotels common areas, dine in the restaurants, or take in the panoramic views afforded by the promenade.

Explore the History of the Canadian Rockies

The Cosmic Ray Station on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park. (Photo Credit: Itza Fineday)

Banff National Park is famous for its natural wonder: from the snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the natural hot springs. In Banff you’re greeted by the majesty of nature at every turn. While you’re exploring the great outdoors, why not experience Banff’s cultural history. These  historic hikes are excellent things to do if you want to experience the authentic history of the Rocky Mountains.

Visit the Cosmic Ray Station on Sulphur Mountain

Located just south of the Banff town site a hike up Sulphur Mountain will lead you to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and a beautiful panorama looking down on the Banff town site.

The trailhead for this five and half km hike is located at the north west corner of the upper parking lot. The hike should take 2 to 5 hours to complete depending on your fitness level.

The trail climbs 742 meters through a series of switch backs before you’ll reach the Cosmic Ray Station.

With its retro name the Cosmic Ray Station conjures up images of the space race. However, the scientific outpost was originally built on the top of Sulphur Mountain in 1956 to study the Sun’s impact on Earth.

The Banff Gondola also scales Sulphur Mountain and some like to hike up and take the gondola down.

Hike to Skoki Ski Lodge National Historic Site

Skoki Ski Lodge is located north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park and was originally built in the 1930’s by the Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies as a lodge for backcountry skiers. Today it still operates as a hotel year round providing home cooked meals and rustic sleeping quarters to weary skiers and hikers.

The hiking trail starts 100m uphill of temple lodge. The 2.5 km trail has and elevation gain of 500 m and should take you 3 to 5 hours to complete depending on your fitness level.

Follow the Path of Early Adventurers to the Twin Falls Tea House

Located just over the BC-Alberta boarder the Twin Falls Tea House is technically in Yoho National Park however it’s still a short drive down highway one from the Banff town site. The idyllic combination of the tea house and nearby falls are an example of the best the Rocky Mountains has to offer and is well worth the visit. A trip to the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site makes a great day trip from Banff.

Built in 1908 as a stopover camp for mountaineers and trail riders, the Twin Falls Tea House still serves tea every summer to modern Rocky Mountain adventure seekers.

The spectacular alpine trail will lead you through 18 km of pristine wilderness and past several waterfalls. Although the trail is long it’s also relatively flat with only a 300m elevation gain so expect to spend five hours on this hike. The trailhead is located 0.5 km north west of the Takkakaw Falls parking area.

Banff Avenue on a crisp winter day. (Photo Credit: Kellie Iwona)

Banff – Alberta, Canada

Become an Honorary Local in Banff

Travelers often seek out an authentic experience. By taking a job in the Rockies you’ll get to become an honorary local. You’ll get to really explore the community and live that authentic experience of the Rockies in Banff National Park.

Plus, there is too much to see in Banff to take it all in over a weekend visit. By living in Banff National Park  you’ll be able to utilize your vacation days to experience all that the Rockies have to offer.

Get to Know People From Around the World

Banff National Park draws visitors from around the world. Living in the Rockies is a great way to meet people from other places without moving an inch. Your work colleagues will come from around the world; from Australia and India, Europe and the Caribbean. For people wanting to work abroad the resorts and ski hills of Banff are anWorking in the Rocky Mountains will allow you to expand your horizons by meeting people from around the globe.

Don’t Just Visit the Rockies – Live Them

When visiting the Rockies, especially for the first time, many people are awed by their majesty. I was no exception. After working in Jasper for four months I was no longer awestruck but I was continuously impressed by the natural beauty I witnessed every day. I counted myself lucky to walk out my door into such natural splendour. My daily commute featured emerald lakes and frequent sightings of deer and elk.

Working in the Rockies will give you a unique chance not just to visit the Mountains but to truly live them. You’ll get to make the Rockies part of your daily life.

Jobs are Plentiful

Mountain towns like  Banff have put limits on expansion to preserve the natural beauty of the parks. This keeps their populations relatively small. However, millions of tourists flock to the mountains each year.  The result is that the local population cannot staff all the shops, restaurants, campgrounds and  hotels in banff that accommodate all these visitors. Banff needs people like you, people on working holidays, to help them run. Businesses are always seeking staff and jobs are plentiful in Banff National Park.

Elk photography along Vermilion Lakes Drive in Banff

All three lakes along this drive provide some great opportunities at elk with newborn calves, as well as with bald eagles, ospreys, Canada geese and a host of other bird life.  The best times to try to catch elk along here are in the early mornings and late evenings before traffic picks up.  The Vermilion Lakes area  is also a great location for some landscape photography if you’re so inclined, and is an excellent location for some photography if you have a family in tow.

Note: elk cows (females) are extremely dangerous to approach on foot when they have newborn calves.  Please use a long lens and if you are on foot, then stay at least 100 metres (ten bus lengths) away from all elk along this route in the spring.

Happy shooting!

John

PS – want to learn how to be a  better wildlife photographer?  Join me for a wildlife photography workshop in Jasper National Park each October and February.  Check out my Canadian Wildlife Photography Tours website for more details.

Suprisingly enough, one of the premier wildlife viewing locations in Banff National Park each fall is around the Banff Springs Golf Course.  The best elk rut in Banff occurs on the hallowed Springs fairways and patient photographers will find lots of great opportunities for photographing big bulls and their harems of cow elk both on and off the course.

Bull Elk in Banff National Park

Another great area to find big bull elk each September and October is on the Lake Minnewanka Road, where lucky photographers may find not only elk, but also bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mule deer.

Bull Elk Photography in Banff National Park

The Bow Valley Parkway is also an excellent place to spend some time in Banff National Park viewing and photographing wildlife.  Banff Travel offers Evening Wildlife Safaris along the Parkway, or you can simply drive along yourself and get lucky with bighorn sheep, coyotes, bears, and even wild wolves.

Wild wolf in Banff National Park

But most wildlife photographers in the park are going to focus their attention on the incredible elk rut.  This is by far the best time of year to view and photograph the giant bulls, and again, you’ll want to concentrate your efforts on the Golf Course road at the Banff Springs Hotel, or on the Lake Minnewanka Road.

Let me know if you have any questions before your big trip, and happy shooting!

John